Casper Ruud: 'I'm still not sure about playing the Olympics. It's 50-50'

The 21-year-old Casper Ruud is off to a great start of the season, winning the first ATP title and becoming the highest-ranked Norwegian player ahead of his father and coach Christian. The youngster has won ten matches so far in 2020, beating John Isner and Fabio Fognini at the ATP Cup and losing only one set en route to the first ATP trophy in Buenos Aires on his beloved clay.

After an early loss in Rio de Janeiro in two tight sets to Gianluca Mager, Casper took some rest and reached another final in Santiago, losing it to Thiago Seyboth Wild on Sunday and missing a chance to claim the second trophy in three weeks.

Casper will turn the focus on Indian Wells and Miami in the next couple of weeks before returning to clay in April, seeking the place in the top-30 and more deep runs in what promises to be his best season on the Tour so far.

Asked about the Olympic Games, Casper is still uncertain about playing in Tokyo or not, with concerns about coronavirus and the fact there are some post-Wimbledon European events on clay at the same time. "Regarding Tokyo, there have been many concerns lately, with the coronavirus and everything that has happened.

I hope they will find a cure soon. I've been reading the news these days about the Olympic Games could not be done this year because of the coronavirus. They're on my calendar, and if I'm doing well in Indian Wells and Miami, I'm going to think about going or not.

The Olympic Games are massive but Majors are even more significant. It's not the end of the world if I don't go to Tokyo. I think it would be an incredible experience but I would have more opportunities in Paris 2024 on clay at Roland Garros; my game fits more there.

Tokyo is on my mind and I will consider it if I continue to play well. The Olympic Games take place at the same time as the European post-Wimbledon clay events and it is still uncertain whether I will go or not. I think it's a 50-50 chance."